Schneider Optics Announces New Family of 4K Xenon FF-Primes for HDSLR Cameras

Lens and filter manufacturer Schneider Optics showed a new family of cine-style prime lenses aimed at Canon's 5D Mark III and Nikon D800 cameras at NAB. The Xenon FF-Primes, designed and to be built by Schneider-Kreuznach in Germany, feature a rugged exterior, optics engineered for full-frame 4K (4096 × 2304 pixels) sensors, oversized and easily readable focus and distance scales on both sides of the lens, a 300-degree focus turn and a 14-blade aperture intended to create smoother and more consistent bokeh.

Each lens has a 100mm front diameter and standard 95mm thread and is "purpose built" for industry-standard follow-focus rigs, matteboxes and filters. Offered in PL, Canon and Nikon mounts, the primes also feature a built-in mounting area for a tie-down that can absorb the torque from a follow focus rig, a common problem when shooting with smaller DSLR cameras.

Schneider will release 35mm T2.1, 50mm T2.1 and 75mm T2.1 versions of the Xenon FF-Primes this summer and follow with wide-angle and telephoto models later in the year.